“It’s over, that’s over. He’ll never be in the UFC again.” These were the words of UFC President Dana White in 2023 when Francis Ngannou left the promotion. The Cameroonian heavyweight had decided to pursue a career in boxing, competing in two matches and eventually signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). However, earlier this year, Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick reignited speculation about a potential return to the UFC.
Ngannou’s journey to the top of the UFC heavyweight division has been nothing short of remarkable. From growing up in poverty in Cameroon to becoming one of the most feared fighters in the world, Ngannou’s story is one of perseverance and determination. After making his UFC debut in 2015, Ngannou quickly rose through the ranks with his devastating knockout power, earning him the nickname “The Predator.”
In 2018, Ngannou faced off against then-heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic for the title. Despite being the heavy favorite, Ngannou suffered a unanimous decision loss, which was followed by another loss to Derrick Lewis. Many believed that Ngannou’s UFC career was over, but he proved them wrong by going on a four-fight win streak, including a knockout victory over Miocic to claim the heavyweight title in 2021.
However, just two years later, Ngannou’s relationship with the UFC soured, leading to his departure from the promotion. He went on to compete in two boxing matches, winning both by knockout, and signed with the PFL. But despite his success in the boxing world, Ngannou’s coach Nicksick recently revealed that they are still open to a potential return to the UFC.
The main reason for Ngannou’s departure from the UFC was a contract dispute. The promotion offered him a new contract with a significant pay cut, which Ngannou and his team felt was unfair. However, with the recent influx of money in the UFC due to the new ESPN deal, Nicksick believes that the promotion may be more willing to negotiate a fair deal for Ngannou.
But even with the potential for a return to the UFC, Ngannou’s coach has his sights set on a different opponent – Deontay Wilder. The former WBC heavyweight champion has been vocal about his desire to fight Ngannou, and Nicksick believes it would be a huge fight that could potentially break pay-per-view records.
However, the UFC seems to have other plans for Ngannou. Despite the potential for a blockbuster fight with Wilder, the promotion has blocked Ngannou from pursuing the fight and has instead booked him to defend his title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 265 in August. This decision has caused frustration for Ngannou and his team, who feel that the UFC is not giving them the opportunities they deserve.
But there may be a bigger reason behind the UFC’s decision to block Ngannou from fighting Wilder. It has been reported that the Saudi royal family, who have a close relationship with the UFC, have been pushing for a fight between Ngannou and Jon Jones. The potential for a huge payday and the opportunity to showcase the UFC in a new market may be too enticing for the promotion to pass up.
Despite the UFC’s decision, Ngannou remains focused on his upcoming fight against Gane and is determined to defend his title. But the possibility of a fight with Wilder or Jones in the future still lingers, and Ngannou’s coach believes that it is only a matter of time before the UFC realizes the potential of these matchups.
In the end, it is clear that Ngannou’s journey is far from over. His determination and resilience have brought him to the top of the UFC heavyweight division, and he continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports. Whether it is in the UFC, boxing, or any other promotion, Ngannou’s star power and knockout power will continue to draw attention and make him a sought-after fighter.
So, while Dana White may have been firm in his stance in 2023, saying that Ngannou will never be in the UFC again, it is clear that anything is possible in the world of combat sports. With his coach’s support and his own determination, Ngannou may just find himself back in the UFC, facing off against some of the
